Sponsored content: Mammograms a must; available monthly at SMHC

Almost everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer; whether it’s a mom, sister, grandmother, aunt or friend.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women, and the second main cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. In 2017, around 252, 710 new diagnoses of breast cancer are expected in women, and around 40,610 women are likely to die from the disease.

“Early detection and treatment are critical in helping to change those numbers,” said Steve Wilson, radiology manager at St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics. “You should always be looking for, but getting your annual mammo-gram is still the best thing you can do to protect your-self.”

“There are other things people need to be aware of, and this applies to both women and men,” continued Steve. “Changes to the breast or nipple area should al-ways be checked immediately by a physician. If you have pain in the breast or armpit area that doesn’t change or go away, redness, rashes, or discharge, contact your doc-tor immediately.”

St. Mary’s offers mammograms monthly through St. Joseph’s Mobile Mammography Truck. They are avail-able by appointment the last Wednesday of each month, and are read by board certified radiologists. All of the technicians performing the mammograms are ARRT certified in mammography. St. Mary’s also offers mammograms at our Kamiah Clinic the second Wednesday of each month. For more information, or to schedule your mammogram, call 208-962-3251.